MMA Blog

Tens of thousands new phishing sites created daily, report says

 

Cyberattacks come in all shapes and sizes, from the highly transmutable ransomware, to the more targeted variety like drive-by downloads. At their core, though, no matter their form or scale, data hacks share a common goal - the theft of sensitive information when targets least expect it.

One of the most widespread threats comes in the form of so-called "phishing," and according to a newly released report, the websites that traffic in these ploys are proliferating on a massive scale.

"More than 1 million new phishing websites infect the internet every month."

Phishing - attacks designed to steal usernames passwords and financial specifics through subterfuge, often carried out via email - is the leading cause of data breaches in the world overall, according to endpoint security services firm Webroot. Indeed, IT experts believe phishing website number in the millions, with 46,000 developed per day and 1.5 million each month. Because of their ubiquity, it's understandable why phishing attacks have often proven successful, particularly businesses that have enough going on as it is, all in effort to remain viable and productive on behalf of their customers, community as well as shareholders.

Hal Lonas, Webroot chief technology officer, noted how the purveyors of phishing scams are constantly refining their strategies to stay one step ahead, aiming to outwit public awareness efforts, security software and patches.

"Today's phishing attacks are incredibly sophisticated, with hackers obfuscating malicious URLs, using psychology, and information gleaned from reconnaissance to get you to click on a link," Lonas warned. " Even savvy cybersecurity professionals can fall prey."

Google often imitated by phishing
In addition to phishing being omnipresent, these scams are capable of surviving, so long as they trick just one person into leaking identifying information. This is done by using text, verbiage, symbols, font and designs that mimic highly respected and trusted companies. For instance, according to Webroot, some of the most common businesses masquerading as legitimate on phishing websites and emails this year include Google, PayPal, Facebook, Apple and Dropbox.

Lonas noted how all too often, the victims of phishing attacks get the lion's share of criticism from the cybersecurity community, angered over their naivete. This shouldn't be happening.

"Instead of blaming the victim, the industry needs to embrace a combination of user education and organizational protection with real-time intelligence to stay ahead of the ever-changing threat landscape."

Lisa Fordham, managing director of information technology at MMA Insurance, echoed Lonas' sentiments.

"Phishing continues to be an ever-evolving threat globally to personal and business data, and the trend shows no sign of slowing," Fordham warned.

How do you stay safe?
As noted by Phishing.com, the only way a phishing attack can work is when users click on a URL, sent through a variety of means and packaged in a way that makes it look trustworthy. That's why it's important to steer clear of unsolicited emails, especially those that have a call to action. Typically, phishing emails will start out with generic language like "Dear Customer" or request to fill out a form. While it may be legitimate, security experts advise going straight to the website rather than clicking on an attached URL.

Phising.com has several other strategies on how to avoid being lured by a phishing huckster.

October in National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and what better way to participate than by updating or purchasing a cyber insurance protection plan.

"Our challenge at MMA is providing balanced protection with accessibility to ensure the protection of client and employee data," Fordham said. "Internally, we focus on training and awareness, emphasizing prevention. An effective detection and response plan for these threats helps us maintain data integrity."

MMA has the customized service that can complement your existing business insurance plan with cyber coverage. Find out more about risk management products and services here.

Keep Up To Date

Subscribe to our blog for all the latest news, updates, and events from MMA and our partners

Subscribe

Tell us what you need. We’ll take it from there.

Get a Quote


    YesNo











        First, tell us about you:






        EmailPhone


        Next, tell us about your business:





        Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


        Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



        NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

        You are ready to submit the form:

          First, tell us about you:






          EmailPhone





          Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


          AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



          NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

          Now you are ready to submit the form:

            First, tell us about you:






            EmailPhone





            Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


            AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



            NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

            Now you are ready to submit the form:

              First, tell us about you:






              EmailPhone


              Next, tell us about your business:





              Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


              Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



              NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

              You are ready to submit the form:

                First, tell us about you:






                EmailPhone






                Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance


                Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsEmployee Health InsuranceSurety



                NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                Now you are ready to submit the form:




                    First, tell us about you:






                    EmailPhone





                    Step 1 of 2Next

                    Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                    AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreational

                     

                    WatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



                    NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                    Now you are ready to submit the form:

                      First, tell us about you:






                      EmailPhone


                      Step 1 of 3Next

                      Next, tell us about your business:





                      Step 2 of 3Next

                      Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                      Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



                      NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                      You are ready to submit the form:

                        First, tell us about you:






                        EmailPhone





                        Step 1 of 2Next



                        NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                        Now you are ready to submit the form:

                          Review Form

                            First, tell us about you:






                            EmailPhone







                            NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                            Now you are ready to submit the form:

                              First, tell us about you:






                              EmailPhone





                              Next, tell us about your claim:






                              NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                              Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                First, tell us about you and your business:







                                EmailPhone


                                Next, tell us about the surety bond you need:







                                NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                                Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                  First, tell us about you:






                                  EmailPhone


                                  Next, tell us about your business:





                                  Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                                  Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



                                  NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                                  You are ready to submit the form:

                                    First, tell us about you:






                                    EmailPhone





                                    Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                                    AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



                                    NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                                    Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                      First, tell us about you:






                                      EmailPhone






                                      Do you have insurance with us already?



                                      Tell us what you need:




                                      NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                                      Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                      cross linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram